by Mere

Created on: May 25, 2009

It was just another Friday afternoon when I waved to my friend standing with her husband in their front yard as I was walking into my house. Moments later I failed to hear the wail of the sound of the ambulance siren heralding that help was on the way for my friend who was experiencing the vital signs of a cardiac arrest. Such a shock it was to later hear that evening from her daughter saying that her mom was in the ICU of the nearest hospital.

I waited until Tuesday afternoon to visit Carole. By that time she had been transferred from ICU into a room in the cardiac care unit of the hospital. We had a good visit those two hours; just the two of us. I left telling her that she was in my prayers and that I would see her again soon.

Very early the following Friday morning, the day after Thanksgiving, I went out to pick up my newspaper. I immediately noticed Carole's son-in-law's car at her house. Why was he there so early? It was not a good sign.

A few hours later I did see Carole's husband with their two children. We met halfway across the street. Her husband put both his hands on my shoulders and told me that Carole had suffered another heart attack in the very early hours of the morning. She did not make it through this one. My heart sunk as I heard those grim words. Between tears I told him and their children I had just lost one of my dearest friends.

Carole and I were born in the same year. My birthday was just three months ahead of hers. I had known her for nearly 32 years. She was one of the first neighbors I met when my family and I moved to the neighborhood. We shared so much during the lifetime of our friendship. We confided in each other with trust. We had countless shopping and lunch dates. For years we attended Bible study together one evening every week. We exchanged birthday and Christmas gifts. Our friendship was the hallmark of a good one.

It was with a heavy heart that I drove to her funeral the following Friday, a gray and overcast day. Tears flowed when I saw her in that satin lined coffin. No longer did I have my friend, my sounding board, my pal.

Nearly four years have passed since her earthly life ended that November day. A day does not go by that she is not in my thoughts some time or another. Often I will see her husband's car in the driveway. Like so many times in the past I want to run over for a short visiting thinking that she is home. I quickly remember that she is no longer here.

There is so much I have desired to share with her. I yearn to tell her about the births of my two granddaughters and all that they have been doing. I want to describe to her my vacations. I wish to re-count to her about the neighborhood Christmas party that another neighbor friend and I co-host each year.

Farewell, dear friend. Your friendship was a blessing and a joy to me. Until we meet again in the presence our Lord and Savior, I miss you deeply.

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